Artist Feature #58: J. Appiah

In our „Artist Feature“ series we regularly introduce well-known stars, underground big shots and newcomers. Each issue contains 15 questions, some of which are always the same, and some of which are individual.

Born and raised in Hackney, Appiah is a true East Londoner at heart. His song writing skills have seen him collaborate with fellow Londoners Scorcher, Propane, Fekky and Pepstar. J. Appiah has also recorded with the London Community Gospel Choir and performed with Will Young, Labrinth, and Blur, on major broadcasts such as The Brit Awards, X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

In this Artist Feature Interview, the musician is talking about his youth in Hackney, performing for football player Johan Djourou and Djibril Cisse, his favorite football club and many more. Read on below.

Where to go to eat when in London? Do you have a special place?

This is a difficult question as I never remember the names of where I’ve been to eat but there’s a place called „Banana Tree“ that really impressed me! I have a feeling this will be my favourite food spot soon.

Your favourite dish?

I’d say something cooked by my mum, a nice helping of jollof rice, cooked with love! Other than that I do love Italian food.

Which book did you read last?

„The Alchemist“ by Paulo Coelho! But I did read my two year old niece „Mary had a little Lamb“ not long ago.

Where have you been and what did you do on New Year’s Eve?

I see New Years Eve as a time of reflection so usually its spent with the family, quick trip to church then home.

Name three Songs which still impress you, each time hearing them.

There are too many songs that come to mind but the first three would be : „Love“ by Music Soulchild, „Thriller“ by Michael Jackson and The Script with „Man that can’t be moved„.

Your favourite music shop in town, to your opinion?

There’s a shop not far from where I live called „Sound & Music“ … I remember passing this shop every Saturday as a kid on my way to music school. And the shop is still standing in an area rapidly changing. In fact I’m going to get some new guitar strings there now.

You was born and raised in Hackney, a borough in East London. Growing up there – how was it?

It’s been Cool, always loved east London. It’s a very Artsy place with loads of character. Growing here I have seen it blossom.

You wrote the theme song for „I Was Born to Fly“, a TV series in which cameras follow the french football star Djibril Cisse, who plays for Queens Park Rangers. Please tell us – how did this collaborations come together?

The producers of the show had heard my music, contacted me and asked me to write a song for the series.

In Episode 20 of that series I saw you performing the song and Djibril Cisse was part of the audience. What was he like personally? Have you met him before?

Djibril is a very COOL dude! It was the first time I had met him and he was touched by the song i wrote. Lovely bloke.

I also saw you performing the song at former Arsenal football player Johan Djourou’s house. How did he become a fan of yours?

He actually heard me play some songs at a friend’s wedding in Switzerland, he was there as a guest and became a fan of mine. He’s been really supportive. The crazy thing is I’m a fan of football and I have footballers as fans. Florent Malouda is also a big supporter of mine who I met on a London night out and now he comes to my Gigs. Its Great! These guys tweet about me. Crazy.

So, it seems you are a big football fan. Which one is your favourite team and why?

I am indeed! I’m actually Manchester United supporter! I’ve just always supported the team growing up before I actually new where Manchester was on a map by then it was too late to change… Maybe Rooney or Van Persie will come to a gig one day – Never say never ay!

Kwadwo Asamoah or Anthony Yeboah?

Kwadwo Asamoah.

An audio drama about my life should be narrated by …

Morgan Freeman! He has the best narrative voice.

What are your goals for the next few months?

More music, more shows, more videos, more writing.

Where I come from, the most important thing is …

Family!

Can

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